Coin-controlled vending machine



J. H. MANNfJR.

\COIN CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1919.

1,408, 1 12, Patented Feb. 28, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1- J H MANN JR COIN CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET Z.

Patented Feb. 28, 1922.

J. MANN, JR- COIN GONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4| l9l9.

Patented Feb. 28, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- J. H. MANN| ]R- com CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4| L919.

Patented Feb. 23, 1922.

" 4 $HEETS$HEET 4 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES H. MANN, JR., OLE PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS, ASSIGNOR T0 TRANSIT VENDING- MACHINE COMPANY, OF PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS, A CORPORATION OF ARKANSAS.

COIN-CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE.

Speeification of, Letters Patent. Pate11ted Feb, 28, 1922.

Application filed September 4, 1919. Seria1 No. 3213311.

State'of Arkansas, have invented certain new and'useful Improvements in Coin-Controlled Vending Machines, of which the following is a specificatlon, reference being had 7 to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to the art of vendbefore it is possible for an actuator (which forms an element of the machine) to operate the article delivering tray, to discharge the article to be vended."

"the vending machines set forth, claimed and illustrated in the prior Patents No. 1, 217,616 and No. 1,278,186 issued to James H. Mann, Jr, and is also an improvement over the construction shown, described and claimed in the pending application filed March 9, 1918,

Serial No. 221,509.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of this character involving in its construction the most essential features of the foregoing patents and the pending application, and at thesame time eliminating other unessential features, hence resulting in a far superior and more practical niachine for commercial purposes. I A further object of the invention resides in featuring a free actuator, in lieu of the oldstyle lockingtype of actuator, as-disclosed in the former patents, and also to provide means on the actuator for closing the coin slots, thereby preventing a coin from being deposited in a non-operating machine.

A still further object of'the invention consists in the provision of a coin operating mechanism to be operated by the actuator,

for operating the article deliveringtray, in combination with a plurality of means for locking said mechanism, thereby avoiding a coin being employed more than once by susing machines and more particularly to coincontrolled type, lIl'WlllQh the insertion of. a proper coin into the machine 1s necessary,

ing.

pendingit on a thread when deposited into the chute.

The invention also resides in still further objects, first the simple assembling of the various parts of the machine; a coin chute,

which comprisesupper and lower chutes and an intermediate chute (which may be termed a coin gauge, to prevent all but the proper size of coin from entering the chute) in combination with means for cooperating with said coin gauge adapted to operate to render the machine inoperative, particularly in case of a slug'lodging in the coin gauge,

and also to provide a machine, in which the various parts can be easily and quickly assembled and removed. I

While the design and construction at present illustrated and set'forth is deemed preferable, it isobvious that as a result of a reduction. of the invention to a more practicalform'for commercial purposes, the invention may be susceptible to changes,'and

the right to these changes is claimed, provided they are comprehended within the scope of what is claimed; I

The invention comprises fur-tier features and combination of parts, as will be hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawings" and claimed. I I

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of thevending machine.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vending machine, with the cover plate and glass removed, and also the top, thereby clearly showing the article holding and delivering tray, the cover plate being shown above the outer casing, in readiness to be applied'to the cas ng.

Figure 3 is a detail view of the upper portlOIl of the outer casing, showing the top a in a position readyto engage the outer casing" the vending machine mechanism detailed in perspective.

Figure 7 is a detail perspective view or" the outer casing with the inner casing and its mechanism removed.

Figure 8 discloses detail views of the slug catching pawl and the actuator return pawl.

Figure 9 is a detail perspective view of the starting pawl.

Figure 10 is a detail perspective view of the tray actuating pawl.

Figure 11 is a detail perspective view of the dog 83. v

Figure 12 is a detail perspective view of the cover plate 26 of the coin gauge.

Figure 13 is a detail sectional view through a portion of the holding and delivering tray, showing the shaft 45 and the spring carried thereby. p

Figure 14L is a detail perspective view of a portion of the holding and delivering tray 45, showing one of its ears 44 with its teeth 46 in engagement with a portion of the tray actuating pawl. y

, Figure15 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the inner casing, showing the back reinforcing plate, it being apparent from the showing that the vending machine mechanism is carried in the inner caslng.

Figure i6 is a detail perspective v1ew oi the actuator 67. 1

Figure 17 is a detail view inelevation of the coin gauge and the slug catching pawl, illustrating the actuator return .pawl.

Figure 18 is a detail perspective view of the upper portion of the. inner and outer casings, showing the lever 117, which holds thetop of the outer casing in place.

Figure 19 is a detail perspective VIEW of v the coin actuated lever 50.

Figure 20 discloses. detail perspective views of the base piece and. the cover plate 26 and 26 o'f the coin gauge.

Figure 21 is a detail perspective view of the back reinforcing plate. I

, Figure 22 is a fragmentary view of: the inner casing, partly in section and illustrating the coin actuated mechanism. for tilting the delivering tray,

Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 22, but showing the-coin actuated mechanism a having been operated, and the tray operating pawl having been moved one tooth in engagement with the dog 83 and illustrating the coin actuated lever as having been returned to a-near normal position, and" also showing the shoulder 66 in positionto cooperate with the lug 79.

Figure 24 is a viewsimilar to Figures 22 and 23, showing the tray'actuating pawl as having been moved another tooth, the coin actuated lever partially operated, say for in stance substantially a near halfmovement.

Figure 25 is a View similar to Figures 22 to 24, showing the tray actuating pawl showing the initial posi 1 tion of the parts. v

of the inner casing. 21 are provided with extension lugs 23 and 24 which engage suitable openings 25 of the moved another tooth and the coin actuated lever further moved, and the coin in a further position through the mechanism.

Figure 26 is a view similar to Figures 22 to 25' inclusive, showing the coin actuated lever 50 further moved, and the tray actuating pawl moved another tooth, and thecoin having been discharged. 7

Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 26, showing the tray actuating pawl further moved, almost to its limit, the coin actuated lever returned to its initial position, and the coin in the act of discharging.

the vending machine. The outer casing has a top 8, which has overlying'flanges. 9, on three of its edges, which overlies the front piece and the sides of the backpiece.

[mar-casing The inner casing 7 comprises a back por-, ilOIllO and the sides l1,-and fits within the outer casing. asshown. The back of the inner casing at the top and bottom is provided with openings 13, ings of the back ofthe outer casin which register with open-. and these openings 14 are designed to receive securing screws, whereby the'machine may be fastened to an suitable support.

The inner casing is also provided with struck-up parts 16 fOrmingQg'uides. for the mechanism actuator. The sides of the inner casing near their upper ends are provided with elongated other of which a coin may be deposited. for entering the coin chute.

The coin chute.

Carried by the back of the inner casing are the upper andlower chute casings 1S and 19. The upperichute casing is substantially of the shape shown. having an obliquely disposed flange 20, and the flanges 21 and which engage the back portion These flanges 20 and slots 17 through one or the 0 I a u i which carr es the operating mechanism .of

back of the inner casin hereby holding theupper chute section in place; The upper chute. casing 1sarrangedrelatively to the coin slots of the SMlGSOf'thB inner casing,

so that when inserting a coin through either ot' the slots, it will pass between the flanges 20 and 22; Infact', when inserting a coin through one of the slots, it will roll down the inclined or obliquely disposed flange 20. The upper and lower coin chutes are spaced, and "arranged intermediate them is what may be termed a coin gauge 26. This coin gauge 26 engages a depression formed. in the baclr )iece of the inner casin and is especially designed to permit of the passage of a coin therethrough, that is a coin or the proper diameter and thickness. Tn other words, this coin gauge (which is detailed in a separate figure in the drawings,) comprises a base piece 26, which is anchored in the depression of the back piece of the inner :asing by means of the lugs 27 and 28, which engage certain openings of the back piece of the inner casing, anda cover plate 26 which has side flanges 30, of such proportions as to hold the cover plate so spaced from the base plate, that a coin, preferably a nickel, though not necessarily, may easily and freely pass between the base and cover plates. Furthermore, these flanges are spaced apart, so as to permit a coin of the proper diameter to pass therethrough without binding. This cover plate is slotted arcuately, as shown at 31. The upper portion of the cover plate is flared outwardly as shown'at 32, so as to cooperate with the upper coin chute casing, so as to guide the coin into the coin gauge. When a slug too large in diameter passes through this coin gauge, it will tend to bind, and hence will prevent the proper operation of the mechanism. A. slug too small in diameter will pass through the coin gauge without atfecting an operation of any of the parts of the mechanism. The lower coin chute section comprises a plate 33,which is shaped substantially as shown. preferably, though not necessarily, and this plate or the lower coin chute has flanges 34: and which have lugs 3-6, which are secured in openings 37 of the back piece of the inner casing. The coin gauge which is intermediate the upper and lower coin chute sections, is arranged so as to register with the lower coin chute, so that the coin will properly pass therethrough without binding.

The upper and lower coin chute sections are covered by means of the cover plate38 and the longitudinal edges of this cover plate 38 have notches The opposite sides of the inner casing are provided with in wardly extending lugs 40, and the flanges ll, and the lugs 40 are arranged so as to pass through the notches 39. when the cover plate is inserted. hen the cover plate is inserted in the proper position, so that the lugs 40 will pass through the notches, the plate rests upon-the inwardly extending flanges d1. The cover plate 38 may then be given a partial movement downwardly, in which case the vertical marginal edges of the cover plate will engage under the lugs 40, thereby locking the cover plate securely in place, and at'the same time housing or obscuring the upper and lower and intermediate coin chutes.

Article ital/liar (Ht/l deliver/In traz.

A shat't et-3 is mounted in suitable bearings on the sides of the inner casing, and supported on this shaft rockably are the ears of an article supporting and delivering tray ll"). One of the ears is provided with a plurality of teeth which are designedto mesh with the gear openings of the tray actuator. A coil spring is in surrounding relation to the shaft Q3, and one of its ends bears against the under surface of the article supporting and delivering tray, to hold the tray in its normal position horizontally. The other end of the coil spring 4:7 is extended, and is disposed in engagement; with the lug 48 of one of the sides of the inner casing, thereby tensioning the spring, to hold the supporting and delivering tray in a horizontal position. The rear edge of the tray is provided with upwardly extending lugs t9. which are designed to engage the rear edge of a pack of chewing gum or other article in such wise that only a single article may be delivererhwhen the tray is tilted.

0023a controlled mechanism for actuating the tray.

The coin controlled mechanism for actuating the tray comprises a rocking lever 50,

which is pivotally mounted as at 51 upon a pivot pin 52. adjacent the inner face of the back piece of the inner casing. This rocking lever is provided with an extension 53 provided with an arcuate slot 5d, through which a headed pin 55 extends, thereby reinforcing and guiding the rocking lever when in action. Secured in any suitable manner to the back of the ban: piece of the inner cas- .ing is a reinforcing plate 56. This reinforcing plate and the back piece ofthe inner casing are provided with registering slot-s 57. The rocking lever 50 has an opening 58, from one edge of which a lug 59 laterally extends. This lug 59 extends through the elongated slots 57 of the back piece of the inner casingand the reinforcing plate. and is adapted to support a coin after it passesthrough the lower chute. The reinforcing plate 56 near its lower part is provided with an opening 60. from one edge of which a lug 61 extends. This lug 61 extends through an opening of the back piece of the inner casing and is positioned ec-centrically with relation to the pivot pin of the rocking lever. This'lug 61is also positioned in such wise relatively to the lug 59, as to assist in supporting a coin, preferably a nickel,

1 and when the rocking lever substantially reaches the limit of its downward movement, the coin is released. and allowed to fall into the coin receptacle 62. p The lug 63 constitutes a guard for the coin actuated lever, so that in case the coin caught by the starting I before it reaches its position between and 59, the mechanism will be guarded can not move. i lera it not for the guard 63 in the form of a lug, it would be possible to catch the coin between the starting pawl and the upper extension of the coin actuated pawl and move the mechanism so that it would wedge and not operate.

also mounted upon the pivot pin 52 is the starting pawl 64. for the coin controlled mechanism. This starting pawl is provided,

with gear teeth 65, with which the teeth of the actuator 67 mesh, When the actuator is pushedupwardl the starting pawl "is oscillatedon its pivot, until its extension lug 68 engages the edge of the coin, which, after it has been deposited in the chute, lodges between the lugs 59 and 61.

The result of moving the starting pawl its fullest extent causes the extension lug 68 to bear upon the edge or" the coin, whichin turn will operate the coin actuated lever 50, that is oscillate the same on its pivot, against the action of its spring 69. This spring 69 is connected at one end to a lug 70 on the 1' article supporting and delivering tray, that coin actuated lever 50 and has its other end connected to the extremity of the lug 61, acting to hold the coin actuated lever in its normal position. he starting pawl has a lateral lug 71, which also bearsupon the coin and is so positioned as to prevent the coin from disengaging from the extension lug 68. y p

Also, pivotally mounted upon the pivot pin 52 is a tray operating pawl 72, which may be any suitable shape, preferably as shown though not necessarily, and the arcuate edge of its extension 73 is provided with a plurality of teeth 74.. This tray operating pawl is provided with a segment extension 75 having a plurality of spaced openings ?6, which are arranged in anar cuate curve, and are designed to be engaged by the teeth 46 of one of the gears of the is. when the tray operating pawl is oscillated. Projecting from the face of the tray operating pawl is a laterallug 77, which is engaged by the edge portion 7 8 of the coin ,actuated lever 50 fora short distance as shown in Figure 24. When the lever 50 is oscillated, as previously stated, the edge 78 engages the lug 77 for a short distance of the movement of said lever 50,and"imparts a movement to the tray operating pawl until the tray operating pawl reaches the position shown in Figure 25, then by means of the shoulder 66 of the actuator engaging the lug 79 the tray is tilted, which allows a package 01"? gumto be discharged. The lug 79 is carried by the tray operating pawl and extends laterally inthe opposite direction to the lug 7'7, and is disposed in the path of the segment (which carries the teeth 65) of the starting pawl 64. Since the tray op erating pawl is limited in its return movement by its lug 7T coming'in contact with the edge 78 of the coin actuated lever, and since the lever is limited in its return movement to its normal position by the lug 63 and the pin in the arcuate curved slot of the extension of the lever, the trayoperating pawl is held against the further movement on its return movement. Owing to the tray operating pawl being limited in this manner, the starting pawl 64 is limited in its return movement by the lug 79 of the tray operating pawl contacting with the edge 80 of the starting pawl. Obviously, by limiting the starting pawl in its position on its return movement, the actuator is limited on its return movement, since its teeth are meshing with the teeth of the starting pawl. The slot 57 of the reinforcing plate is provided with a lug 81, which protrudes through the back piece of the. inner casing, and is designed to cooperate with the coin as the coin actuated lever 50 is oscillated, in order to iorce the coin toward and keep it in contact with the lug 61.

Pivotally mounted upon a headed pin 82 is a dog 83, which is substantially of the shape shown, and its lower end has a lateral lug 84, and its upper portion is provided with an additional lateral lug 85. The coil spring 86 is connected to the lug 85 and in turn to a lug of the lower coin chute casing. The lug 85 is positioned relatively to the dog 83, so that the coil spring 86 will hold the dog, so that its lateral lug 84 is positioned directly below the center of the pivotpin 82 of the dog. Should the'actuator be partially operated, as shown in the drawings, the teeth 74 of the tray operating pawl will ride past the lug 84, so that the lug may engage certain of said teeth 74, thereby holding the tray in a partial operated position. After the tray has started to tilt, from that point on, the tray may be held in various partly tilted positions. The teeth 74 are five in number, designated by the letters a, b, 0, a? and 6. When the lug Set of the dog engages the tooth 0., the tray will be partially tilted, and the coin actuated lever will be allowed to return to a near normal position through the action of the spring 69. The coin actuated lever is limited in its near normal position by a lug 87, engaging one of the ears of the tray. This lug 87 is carried by the arcuate extension of the coin actuated lever. However, when the lug 8 1 of the dog 83 engages the tooth Z), or the tooth c, the tray is held in a partial tilted position. but in a further tilted position than when the lug 8 1 is in engagement with the tooth (6. However, when the lug 8d engages either one oi the teeth Z) or c of the tray operating pawl, the coin actuated lever is prevented from returning toward a normal or a near normal position, particularly owing to the fact that the'coin has been allowed to pass further between the lugs 59 and (51 of the coin actuated lever and the reinforcing plate. In other words, the coin wedges between these lugs 59 and 01 upon such further movement of the coin actuated lever, and prevents the return of the lever. hen the lug 8-1 of the dog 88 is in the act of disengaging the tooth c and is approaching in engagement with the tooth (Z of the tray operating pawl, the coin is released, which permits the coin actuated lever 50 to return to a near normal position as shown clearly in Figure 26.

Slug catching mechanism.

The slu catchin mechanism com )rises a pawl 88, which 15 mounted upon a headed pin 89, which 1s earned by the back piece of the inner casing. In fact, the headed pin' 89 engages through an elongated slot 90 of the slug catching pawl. Vhere the back piece of the inner casing is depressed for the reception of the coin gauge, the back piece is provided with an elongated opening 91. The reinforcing plate which is secured in any suitable manner to the back piece of the inner casing is provided on one of its edges with a pair of lugs 92, which engage through the opening 91. The slug catching pawl has an extension 93, and extending laterally from the extension is a pair of lugs 94. One of the lugs 94 engages througli the slot in the coin gauge, in order to contact with a slug, should it wedge in said gauge. These lugs 94 move concentric with the curvature oi the slot'and the curvededge portion 95 of the gauge, that is when th slug catching pawl is oscillated. When the slug catching pawl returns to its normal j iosition, the lugs 94- contact with the lugs 92, so as to limit the slug catching pawl in its normal position.

An actuator return pawl 96 is also pivotally mounted upon the headed pin 89. This actuator return pawl has an extension 97, the. end portion 98 of which is engaged by a shoulder 99 of an arch portion 100 at the actuator, so that when the actuator pushed upwardly, the return pawl will he oscillated on its pivot against the action of its spring 101, the spring acting to return the actuator and the return pawl to their normal positions. This sprin has one end connected to a lug 102 of t e extension 97 of the return pawl and has its other end connected to a lug 103 of the reinforcing plate. This lug 103 of the reiniorcing plate extends through an opening oi the back piece of the inner casing. A coil spring 104- is connected at 105 to an extension of the slug catching pawl and has its other end connected to a lug 106 of the reinforcing plate. This lug 106 also extends through the opening in the back piece 01" the inner casing. The spring 104 acts to return the slug catching pawl to its normal position. T he slug catching pawl oscillates at the same time that the actuator return pawl is oscillated. However, the spring 104 exerts an opposite force, which is overcome by the heavier spring 101, tending to return the acuator to its normal position.

An extension of the slug catching pawl has a shoulder 107, which is engaged by a lateral lug 108 of the actuator return pawl. This shoulder 107 is angular, and not only causes the two pawls 88 and 96 to move together, but also holds the slug catching pawl in its raised position, in other words, in a position so that the lower end of the slot 90 of the catching pawl is in engagement with the shank of the headed pin 89. As long as the slugcatching pawl is in such a position,

and :1V proper size of coin is allowed to fall through the coin chute, tne catching pawl will properly operate. However, should a slug be allowed to pass through the chute and become lodged in the coin gauge, owing to its irregular shape, the slug catching pawl will contact therewith and be prevented from oscillating with the actuator return pawl. The lateral lug 108 of said return pawl will then disengage the shoulder 10?, and through the med um of the spring- 10%. the slug catching pawl Wlll bemoved downwardly, until the upper end of the slot 89 of said slug catching pawl will engage the shank of the headed pin 89. By this ineyhanism, the slug is prevented from moving c'lownwardly through the chute, not only because it is held by the extension of the catching pawl, but also because it is wedged in the coin gauge, therefore the operating mechanism. for actuating the tray will not operate.

Moreover, the return pawl willnot be allowed to return to its full normal position through the action of its spring 101. This is due to the fact that the catching pawl has been lowered, and when the return pawl 15 in the act of returning to its initial position,

its lateral lug 108 will engage the notch 109 of the catching pawl. The return pawl will not only be prevented from returning to a.

normal position, but also the catching pawl will be prevented from reaching its initial position.

" Aotuatz'ng mechanism.

The actuating mechanism for the vending machine comprises the actuator 67, which is in the form of an elongated plate or bar. The back piece of the inner casing is provided with struclnup uides 16, while one of the side flanges of tee inner casing is provided with said inwardly extending flanges -11, acting as additional guides for the actuator. The lower part of the actuator has a push rod 112 provided with a push button 113, to be engaged by the handof an operator. Obviously, by an upward movement of the actuator owing to upward pressure on the push button, the coin controlled mechanism will be operated, which will in turn operate the article supporting and discharging tray. The actuator will also operate the slug catching pawl, and also the return pawl. The upper portion of the actuator has a lateral arm 114., which is positioned transversely of the upper coin chute casing. One end of this arm has a lateral lug 115. The upper end of the actuator on its side edge, and in a position opposite the lug 115 is provided with an additional lug 116. These lugs 115 and 116, when the ac tuator is moved upwardly overlie the coin receiving slots, thereby preventing a second coin from entering the coin chute. Vhen the lug 84: of the dog 83 engages either one of the teeth 6, c and (Z of the tray operating pawl, the actuator is prevented from returning to its initial position, and the lugs 115 and 116 are held in positions to cover the coin receiving slot. This is due to the fact that the tray operating pawl is prevented. from returning to its initial position by the dog 83, whilethe starting pawl is prevented from returning to its initial position by its edge 80 contacting with the lug 79 of the tray operating pawl,'and since the starting pawl is in mesh with the actuator, it is obvious that the actuator is prevented from returning to its initial position.

The top of the outer casing is provided with the usual locking mechanism, which is similar to that illustrated in the here tofore mentioned Patent No. 1, 78,186, and this. locking mechanism forthe cover in eludes the lever 117, which is pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod of the tray, and

has'a lateral lug 118 to cooperate with the.

lock of the cover of the outer casing. This loclr 119 of the cover, together with'the pro ect1ng lug 120 of a strap carried by the cover, holds the cover in a locked position,

so that the lock is inaccessible from the exterior.

. the lug of the strap engage opposite open- Figures 25, 26 and 27.

The locking bolt of the lock, and

ings 121 of the side flanges ofthe inner cas ing. The lower end of the lever 117 has a lateral lug 122, to engage a notch 123 in one of the end walls of the coin receptacle, thereby locking the coin receptacle or box in position, and rendering the same inaccessible from the exterior.

The casing of this vending machine is constructed and put together in a general and similar manner to that set .forth and claimed and illustrated in the said copending application, therefore it is unessential to further illustrate the mode of construction of the casing In addition to the coin actuated lever being limited in its near normal position by he lug 87, the latter is also designed to fit or engage under one of the ears of the delivering tray when all the parts are in normal positions, so that the tray will be locked against idle movement when all the parts are normal. For instance, were it not for the lug 87, the turning of the tray could be accomplished by the downward pull of an in sorted wire on thetray, without inserting a. coin. This feature of the invention affords to protect the machine'against fraudulent manipulation. In the operation of the machine the edge '7 8 of the lever 50 cooperates with and pushes upon the lug 77 moving the tray operating pawl 72 and tilting the tray until the lug 841 of the dog 83 is approaching engagement with the tooth b. In fact ust before the lug 8 1 of the dog 83 is about to engage the tooth b, the edge 78 of the lever 50 ceases to push upon the lug 77, hence the tray is no longer operated by the coin actuated lever 50. In other words after the lug 84 engages with the tooth 7), the coin actuated lever 50 no longer functions with the lug 77, though a casual examination may lead to the impression that it does. A further tilting movement of the tray is accomplished through the medium of the lug 79 having been moved in the path of the shoulder 66 and upon further upward movement, said shoulder 66 bears upon the lug 79, hence completing the delivery movement of the tray. This cooperation between the shoulder 66 and the lug 79 continues until the article is delivered, as will be seen in In Figure 27 the shoulder 66'' is still in engagement with the lug 3). and it is to be remembered that. ressure is still applied to the actuator. ever, as soon as pressure is relieved on the actuator allowing it to return to a normal position, the tray actuating pawl returns to a normal position. hen the lug 84 of the dog 83 reaches and engages the tooth (l as in Figure 26, the coin is released, which allows the coin actuated lever 50 to return to a near normal. position, which is disclosed in. Figure 26. The shoulder 66. is obviously I ow still eii.gagiiigtlie lug 79, and when the actuator is allowed to return to a normal position, the article having been released or delivered and the coin released, the tray is returned to its initial position. Then a coin is deposited in a machine and itbecomes positioned as in Figure 22 the edge 78 bears upon the lug 77, and will actuate the tray operating pawl, until the lug 84 ot' the dog 83 engages the second tooth b. In fact the edge '78 would be in engagement with the lug 77 in Figure 23, if pressure upon the actuator is maintained. However itis to be supposed that pressure upon the actuator has been relieved in Figure 23, in order to show that when. such pressure is relieved, the coin actuated lever may return to a near normalposition, which will permit the edge 78 to disengage. from the lug 77, the dog 83 holding the tray tilted. hen pressure is resumed on the actuator, the edge 78 is again brought in contact with the lug 77, and the engagement is maintained until the lug 84-, is about to engage the tooth Z), then the engagement ceases as previously stated.

When a coin is released, the coin actuated pawl drops out of position, returniiw to near normal position by spring action. I- owever, during its forward movement, the edge 78 of the coin actuated lever has forced the tray operating pawl throughtlie medium of tlie lug 77 so that the tray operating lever at the teeth a or b of the plurality of teeth 74 has become. engaged by the dog 84, lockmg the tray operated pawl against back- "ward movement.

Since the coin operated pawl has now dropped completely out in so far as the functioning in the further operation, further movement of the tray operating pawl is caused by a. shoulder (56 of the actuator 67 contacting with the lug 79 oi the tray operating pawl, and forcing the complete oscillation of the pawl, thereby causing the release of the dog 841, the release of which allows the "entire mechanism to return to ioriiial position.

Should-a coin or slug of irregular shape becomehung or will not release from the coin actuated pawl at its extreme forward stroke, the coin actuated pawl will he forced and held to its limit or eKtre-n're fori'vard stroke, and the corner of the edge will be forced under the partial straight or square edge ot the ear e t oi the delivery tray, thereby' 'ii'eventing the delivery tra ing its complete tilting and downward movement. This in turn prevents the tray op- V erating pawl from making its complete.

movement, and as the dog 84 has engaged the tooth a or Z) of the teeth 74 ot' the arcuate edge oi the extension 73 of the tray operating pawl, it is impossible for the mechanism to return to normal position, as it is completely locked both against forward and backward movement.

i'roin mak The invention having been set forth, what is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article holding compartment, of an article supporting and delivering tray mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism mounted in the casing and operated by the actuator for tilting said tray, said coin controlled mechanism comprisinga spring tensioned coin actuated lever, a starting device geared to the actuator and between which and the coin actuated lever, a coin is adapted to engage, andmeans for limiting the coin actuated lever to a near normal position.

'2. In an article vending machine, the com bination with a casing having an article holding compartment, ofaln article supporting and delivering'tray mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a

ing said tray, said tray and the coin controlled mechanism having cooperating means for limiting said coin operated mechanism to a near normal position, when the tray is partially tilted.

3. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article holding compartment, of an article supporting and delivering tray mounted in'th'e lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism mounted in the casing and operatedby the actuator for tilting said tray, said coin controlled mechanism comprising a spring tensioned coin actuated lever, "a starting device geared to the actuator and between which and the coin actuated lever, a coin is adapted to engage, and cooperative connections'between the tray and the lever of said coin controlled mechanism for limiting the coin controlled lever to a near normal position, while the tray is tilted. i

4:. In an article vending machine,acasing having an article receiving compartment, an

articlesupp'orting-and delivering tray operatively mounted in said compartment, an

actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting'd'evice' cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the'actuator, whereby as the actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, and means carried by the tray and'operatively engaging with a memberof the coin controlled mechanism to limit said member in a near normal position.

a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting device cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator, whereby as the actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, and means for limiting the coin controlled mechanism to a near normal position while the tray is partially tilted.

6. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, or an article supporting and dehvering tray p votally mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting device cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator,.whereby as the actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, said coin controlled mechanism including means, cooperating with the coin for preventing the coin controlled mechanism Iif I'OIIl returning to a near normal position, while the tray is partially tilted.

7. In anarticle vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article supporting and delivering tray pivotally mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting device cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator, whereby as the ac tuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, and means for limiting the coin controlled mechanism to a near normal position while the tray is partially tilted, said casing including a coin chute having coin receiving slots, and means carried by the actuator for covering said slots, thereby preventing a second coin from being inserted in the chute, when the tray is partially tilted. I

8. In an article vending machine the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article supporting and delivering tray pivotally mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator,

a tray tilting device cooperatively connect,

ing with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator whereby as the actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, said coin controlled mechanism including'means cooperating with the coin for preventing the coin controlled mechanism from returning to a near normal position, while the tray is partially tilted, said casing including a coin chute having coin receiving slots, and means actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted thereby delivering an article, said coin con trolled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever provided with an arcuate extension, said tray having an ear, and means carried by the arcuate extension to cooperate with the ear to limit the coin actuated lever in a near normal position.

10. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article supporting and delivering tray pivotally mounted in the lowerpart of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting device cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator, whereby as the actuator is reciprocated, the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, said coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever provided with an arcuate extension, said tray having anear, means carried by the arcuate extension to cooperate with the ear to limit the coin actuated lever in a near normal position, a startingpawl, and said cooperative connection between the tray and the starting pawl, and the coin controlled lever having means to limit the actuator in a partially reciprocated position. 7

11. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing havingan article receiving compartment, of. an article supporting and delivering tray pivotally mounted in the lower part of said compartment, an actuator, a coin controlled mechanism in geared connection with the actuator, a tray tilting device cooperatively connecting with the coin controlled mechanism which is operated by the actuator, whereby as the actuator is reciprocated the tray is tilted, thereby delivering an article, said coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever provided with an arcuate' extension, said tray having an ear, means carried by the arcuate extension to cooperate with the ear to limit the coin actuated lever in a near normal position, a starting pawl, and said cooperative connection between the tray and the starting pawl, and the com controlled lever havmg means to limit the actuator 1n a partlally operated position, saidcasing having a coin receiving chute provided with coin entrance slots, and means car ied by tlieupper end of the actuator to cover said slots.

12. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article discharging mechanism mounted in the lower part 01 the compartment, an oscillatory operator for said mechanism, a coin con trolled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever, a starting device cooperatively connecting the operator and said lever, between which and the lever a coin engages, an actuator for said starting device, and means cooperating with said operator for the article discharging mechanism, for limiting the article discharging mechanism in a partial operated position.

13. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article discharging mechanism mounted in the lower part of the compartment, an oscillatory operator for said mechanism, a coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lover, a starting device cooperatively connecting the operator and said lever, bet-ween which and the lever a coin en ages, an actuator for said starting device, and means cooperating with said operator for the article discharging mecha nism, for limiting the article discharging mechanism in a partial operated position,

means for limiting the lever 01"- the coin controlled mechanism in a near normal position.

14. In an article vending machine, the combination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article discharging mechanism mounted in the lower part of the compartment, an oscillatory operator for said mechanism, a coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever, a starting device cooperatively connecting the operator and said lever, between which and the lever a com engages, an actuator for said starting device, and means cooperating with said operator for the article discharging mechanism, for limiting the articledischarging mechanism in a partial operated position, meansior preventing the coin controlled lever from returning to a normal positionafter the article discharging mechanism has been operated substantially half its movement.

15"; In an article vending mach ine, the com bination with a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article discharging mechanism mountcdin the lower part of the compartment, an oscillatory operator for said mechanism, a coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever,a starting device cooperatively connecting the operator and said lever, between which and the lever coin engages, an actuator tor said starting device. and means coope-rating; with said operator for the article discharging. mechanism, for limiting he article discharging mechanism in a partly operated pos tion, means for limiting the lever ot the coin controlled mechanism in a near normal position, and means for pre venting the coin actuated lever from return ing to a near normal position.

16. In-an article vending machine, the combinationwith a casing having an article receiving compartment, of an article discharging mechanism mounted in the lower part or the compartment, an oscillatory operator for said mechanism, a coin con trolled mechanism including a coin actuated spring tensioned lever, a starting device cooperatively connecting the operator and said lever, between which and the lever a coin engages, an actuator for said starting device, and means cooperating with said operator for the article discharging mechanism, for limiting the article discharging mechanism in a partial operated position, said casing in cluding a coin chute having coin receiving slots, and means carried by the actuator for covering said slots, when the actuator has been partially operated.

17. In a machine as set forth, a casing, an article receiving compartment therein, an article delivering tray operatively mounted in said compartment, a coin controlled mechanism including a coin'actuated lever, means operatively engaging between the tray and coin actuated lever for performing the dual function of limiting the lever in a near normal position and holding the tray partly tilted when the tray and mechanism are par tially operated.

18. In a machine as set forth, a casing, an article supporting and receiving tray operatively mounted therein, a coin controlled mechanism, including a coin actuated lever, means for partly tilting the tray and partially operating said mechanism, means operatively engaging between the lever and the tray for holding the tray partly tilted and limiting the lever in a near normal position.

19. Ina machine as set forth, a casing, an article supporting and receiving tray operatively mounted therein, a coin controlled mechanism including a coin actuated lever, means for partly tilting he tray and partially operating said mechanism, means operatively engaging between the lever and the tray for holding the tray partly tilted and limiting the lever in a near normal position, said mechanism including means dependent upon the position'ot the coin in said mechanism for preventing the return of the lever to a near normal position.

20; In an article vlending -machine, an article delivering tilting tray, a coin actuated mechanism for imparting an initial tilting movement to the tray, and means for completing the movements of the tray for delivering the article.

21. In an article vending machine, an article delivering tilting tray, a coin actuated mechanism for imparting initial tilting movement to the tray, the construction and arrangement of the coin actuated mechanism being such as to cease tilting the tray, and means including an actuator for actuating the coin controlled lever and complete the tilting movement oi? the tray.

coin controlled mechanism and completing the tilting movement of the tray, the construction and arrangement of the coin c011- trolled mechanism being such that when the actuator is brought into play to complete the tilting movement of the tray, the coin controlled mechanism ceases to impart tilting movement to the tray.

23. In an article vending machine, a de livering tilting tray, a coinvcontrolled mechanism for imparting an initial tilting movement to the tray, means for actuating the coin cont-rolled mechanism and completing the tilting movement of the tray, the construction and arrangement of the coin controlled mechanism being such that when the actuator is brought into play to complete the tilting movement of the tray, the coin con-' trolled mechanism ceases to impart tilting movement to the tray, and means for progressively checking the movement of the tray during its tilting movement at any time when pressure is relieved on the actuator.

24:. In an article vending machine, a delivering tray, a coin controlledmechanism for imparting initial. movement to the tray, means including an actuator for completing the movement of the tray, means including a tray operating pawl and detent dog for in termittently checking the tray in different progressive tilting positions whenever pressure is relieved on the actuator.

25. In an article vending machine, a delivering tilting tray, a coin controlled mech anism for imparting initial movement to the tray, means including an actuator for completing the movement of the tray, means including a tray operating pawland detent dog for intermittently checking the tray in different progressive tilting positions whenever pressure is relieved onthe actuator, the construction and arrangement of the coin controlled mechanism being such that when the :u-tu'ator is brought into play,

said coin controlled mechanism ceases to impart movement to the tray.

26. In an article vending machine, a delivering tilting tray, a coin controlled mechanism for imparting an initial tilting movement to the tray, means for checking the tray in a tilted position at the time the coin controlled mechanism 7 ceases to impart an initial movement to the tray, and means iii-- checked in atilted position, the coin controlledmechanism ceases to tilt the tray,

whereby the actuator may complete the fiill tilting movement of the tray.

28. In an article vendingma'chine, a delivering tilting tray, a coin controlled mechanism for imparting an initial tilting movement to the tray, means including'a reciprocating actuator for actuating the coin controlled mechanism, thereby completing the tiltingmovement of the tray, the construction and arrangement of the coin controlled mechanism being such that when the actuator, of said means is brought" into play to complete the tilting movement of the tray, the coin controlled mechanism ceases to impart tilting movement to the tray.

29. In an article vending machine, ,a delivering tilting tray, a coin controlled mechanism for imparting an initial tilting move+ ment to the tray, means including a reciprocating actuator for actuating the coin controlled mechanism, thereby completing the tilting movement of the tray, the construction and arrangement of the coin controlled mechanism being such that when the actuator of said means is brought into play to complete the tilting movement of the tray,

thecoin'controlled mechanism ceases to im part tllting movement to thehtray, and,

means for limiting the coin eontrolledmech anism to a near rnormal' position, and the tray to a partiall tilted position.

30. In an articleven'ding machine, a djeliveringtilting tray, a coin controlled mechanism for imparting an initial tilting movement to the tray, meansincludinga recipro catinggactuator for actuating the coin con-j trolled mechanism, thereby completing the tilting moving of the, tray, the. construc-; tlon and arrangement of the coin controlled mechanism being such that when the actu- 85 mechanism being such that when thetray is ator of said means is brought into play to complete the tilting movement of the tray, the coin controlled mechanism ceases to impart tilting movement to the tray, means co- 5 operative with a member of: the coin controlled mechanism and a part of thetray, for limiting the coin controlled mechanism to a near normal position, and retaining the tray in an approximately full tilted position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

JAMES H. MANN, JR. 

